Dallas Cowboys Blog

Live Blog: Cowboys NFL Draft Press Conference

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, the team’s director of scouting Tom Ciskowski and executive vice president Stephen Jones will address the media at a news conference Tuesday at Cowboys Stadium, where they will discuss the team’s strategy in the upcoming NFL Draft.

12:43 p.m.: Ciskowski: “We have approximately 2,400 players in the database. That’s how thorough.” On evaluation: “It’s a community grade.”

12:46 p.m.: Stephen Jones: “At this point, theoretically, we could pick any position and it could be a good pick for the future of the Cowboys.”

12:47 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether he thinks there will be free agency before the season: “Generally speaking, I think through collective bargaining, we will have the opportunity…I think it is probably sound to think we will play and at some point we will have the opportunity to sign veteran free agents.”

12:49 p.m.: Jerry Jones on why he hasn’t drafted an o-lineman in the first round during his tenure as owner: “I am not reluctant to invest a first-round pick… for an offensive lineman.”

12:51 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether he will be bold or safe with ninth pick: “It’s well-known I like to take risks. You can usually look real bad or real good taking risks…When we have been there, which is not pretty often, we have been pretty sound.”

12:53 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether he has received trade offers for ninth pick: “We’d be surprised if there isn’t interest.”

12:54 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether team has opened the facility to the players: “No we have not…We have not done that.”

12:55 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether he regrets last victory cost the Cowboys’ better draft position. “No. We needed that win for our fans….Our success at end of last season certainly has given…it has given us real tangible things as we go forward. I would not trade four spots to have that win.”

12:58 p.m.: Jerry Jones on why the Cowboys’ have remained quiet on labor situation: “You want to just make sure you are not misinterpreted.”

12:59 p.m.: Jerry Jones on Marc Colombo’s status: “We have several decisions to make. We haven’t come to a final conclusion on most of the players who are under contract….I would say there are four or five players I couldn’t give you a straight answer.”

1:02 p.m.: Jerry Jones on drafting impact players in early rounds: “Those guys have got to be on the field and playing for us. No development players there.”

1:05 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether there are defensive ends worthy of being drafted at No. 9: “Yes.”

1:07 p.m. Ciskowski on Tyron Smith and whether he could play immediately: “You want to due diligence on the player. If you’re drafting a player that high, you will insert them….I don’t know if a person is ever truly ready.”

1:09 p.m.: Jerry Jones on possibility of moving up: “I am not as skeptical of the early-round picks. I think ultimately we have a chance to have a labor agreement through negotiation. If we’re operating under last year’s rules…I think all of that could really impact your overall expenditures for rookies. So with that in mind, I could see guys not being as reluctant going up there. I think the odds aren’t great we would be interested in that.” Jones then said he wouldn’t rule out the possibility.

1;14 p.m.: Jerry Jones on status of team: “I don’t consider us to be rebuilding…I think we have a real good mix.”

1:15 p.m.: Jerry Jones on whether drafting a QB is a priority: “No.”

1:16 p.m.: Stephen Jones on Jason Garrett’s role in the draft and how Rob Ryan has adjusted: “[Jason] has been very helpful.’

Jerry Jones on Garrett: “He grew up in a family of scouts. I have taken note of how respectful he is of scouts. He remembers everything. He will make very pointed inquiries about a player. He gets the most out of the process. i am really impressed he’s been part of this decision-making.”

Ciskowski on Garrett: “We have hit it off. He’s open and listens. We come up with a conclusion we all agree with. There is a little give and take. The relationship between scouting and coaching is as strong as it has ever been since I have been here.”